★ An intriguing monastic seal with an apparently unique depiction of Saint Anpelas ★

Kamoges, monk and abbot, 1st half 11th century. Seal (Lead, 27 mm, 13.96 g, 12 h). Θ / AN/Π-Є/Λ/A/C Nimbate facing bust of Saint Anpelas, holding a spear over his left shoulder. Rev. +K,[R,] / KAMⲰΓ, / MONAX, / S HΓ૪M/ЄNⲰ in five lines. Unpublished in the standard references. An intriguing monastic seal with an apparently unique depiction of Saint Anpelas. Very fine.

From a European collection, formed before 2005.

The name Anpelas does not appear in the various lists of saints. He may, however, be identified with the Carthaginian martyr Ampelius, who died in 513, as both names derive from the same root (meaning "vine" or "vineyard"). It is also possible that the military saint depicted was so obscure, with such a small and localized cult, that his name was forgotten and did not survive into our lexicons.